2021 Christmas and Holiday Events in Miami

Ho! Ho! Ho! Stringing our lights around the palm trees and Santa is getting ready to surf!

Christmas in Miami is about enjoying the sunshine and gorgeous breezy weather!

And to get into the spirit, our regular events are back with plenty of lights, shiny ornaments and holiday cheer... Zoo Lights, Bayfront Holiday Village, Winterland at the Farm, Santa's Enchanted Forest... they are back this holiday season! Here are our top picks, from holiday villages, fantastic light strolls, holiday concerts and musicals and of course, the Nutcraker...

As in all public holidays, government offices, schools, post offices, banks and public libraries will close on Christmas Day. Many restaurants remain open and offer special celebratory meals, brunches, dinners, cocktails...

And this is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous "winter" weather. Migrating birds and hybernating manatees have arrived, this is a good time for a visit to the Everglades, enjoy the beautiful wildlife or a thrilling airboat ride! Please note that some parks will be closed on Christmas Day.

Here are this year's most popular Christmas and Holiday Season events and celebrations in Miami:

Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Lights...

• Santa's Enchanted Forest - November 4, 2021 - January 2, 2022
• Bayfront Holiday Village at Bayfront Park - November and December
• NightGarden Magical Light Spectacular at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens - November 12, 2021 to January 2, 2022
• Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park - November 13 - December 31, 2021
• Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami - Select nights from November 26 - December 30, 2021
• The magic of "Vintage Florida" Historic Holiday Decor at the Deering Estate and Holiday Evening Strolls - November 26, 2021 to January 6, 2022
• Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night at City of Doral - December 1, 2021
• Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens - December 10, 2021 - January 2, 2022
• Winterfest Boat Parade - December 11, 2021
• Winterland at the Farm - Saturdays and Sundays in December/January, dates TBA
• Meet & Greet with Santa at Sandrells River Theater - Dec. 10-12 and 17-19, 2021
• A Victorian Christmas at Historic Stranahan House - December 18 - 23, 2021
• Garden of Lights at Flamingo Gardens - Dec. 17-23 and 26-30, 2021

And in the Holiday Entertainment Calendar

• Miami City Ballet: The Nutcracker - December 10 - 12, 2021 at Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, December 16 - 26 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - November 24, 2021 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol - December 2 - 19, 2021 at the Carnival Studio Theater at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• Symphony Of The Americas: Holidays of the Americas - December 3 - 4, 2021 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Celtic Yuletide - December 4, 2021 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
• Jose Negroni's Ready for Christmas - December 10, 2021 at Miami Dade County Auditorium
• Elf The Musical - December 10 - 11, 2021 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra - December 17, 2021 at the FLA Live Arena (formerly BB&T Center) Sunrise
• A Tom Jones Christmas - December 18, 2021 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
• Y100 Jingle Ball: Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Black Eyed Peas & AJR - December 19, 2021 at the FLA Live Arena (formerly BB&T Center) Sunrise
• Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical) - December 22, 2021 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Cirque Dreams: Holidaze - December 26 - 27, 2021 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert - January 2, 2022 at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Christmas Services

• Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Services - Midnight Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church - Covid-safe edition this year

Where To Stay, Dine, Party

• Best Christmas Hotels For Spending The Holidays in Miami Top picks for staycations in Miami over Christmas and their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinners, Brunches, Kids Events, Santa Visits, all socially-distanced...
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner in Miami - TBA

And check out this year's New Year's Eve Holiday events in Miami.

Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Tree Lightings...

Santa's Echanted Forest

The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back with its millions of dazzling lights, South Florida's tallest christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.
In a new location at Hialeah Park, you will no doubt see the lights as you drive past. It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up.
There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!

When? November 4, 2021 - January 2, 2022 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Hialeah Park at 3100 East 4th Ave. Hialeah, FL
How Much? Early Elf Season Passes: Adults (9-64) $48.84, Children (3-8) $39.26 and Seniors 65+ $36.64, general admission TBA

More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest

Christmas Holiday Village at Bayfront Park

The official kick off to the holiday season in downtown Miami takes place as Bayfront Park unveils its 50-foot tree covered with glittering lights at the Bayfront Marketplace popup: Bayfront Holiday Village.

The Village will be open throughout the holiday season and host great entertainment options: a collection of hand-picked shops where you can pick out that perfect gift, roller skating rink around the tree and fountain, top food truck eating options, scavenger hunts and even a Santa Paws Dog Park so you can bring your furry friend along to the festivities.

When? Holiday Village will open throughout the holiday season, exact dates TBA
Where? Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.
How Much? FREE!

More info: Bayfront Holiday Village

NightGarden a Magical Light Spectacular

An enchanted, illuminated experience full of fantasy and wonderment where things like the Wise Talking Tree, Flying Fairies and a Sunflower Maze come to life.
Come and marvel at unbelievable live effects such as holographic butterflies and floating orchids throughout multiple acres of dazzling magic.

When? November 12, 2021 to January 2, 2022
Where? Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
How Much? General Admission $34, Children 10 and under $29, plus service fees. Discounts for Fairchild members and non-peak hours, season passes available. Groupon General Admission $34 $25

More info: www.thenightgarden.com

Symphony In Lights Holiday Celebration at Gulfstream Park

The entire property will be illuminated with more than 250,000 LED lights, all set to the sounds of holiday favorites from yesterday and today.

A 10-minute light show will begin at the top of every hour from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

"Symphony in Lights" is not only the perfect opportunity to experience some holiday magic, but also to enjoy shopping, dining and boundless entertainment at Gulfstream Park Village's open-air setting.

When? November 13 - December 31, 2021, kick-off event on Saturday, November 13 from 7-10 p.m. Emmy award-winning newscaster Calvin Hughes will serve as the emcee and the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida will perform a lively set along with a 7-piece band. Even Santa Claus himself will ride in to kick off the festivities.
Where? Gulfstream Park at 901 S. Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
How Much? FREE

More info: Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park

Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami

It's that magical time of the year as the park transforms into a fabulous array of shimmering trees and dazzling (animal-shaped of course) lights that adorn every corner of this fantastic animal kingdom.

What else? Appearances by Santa (until December 23), animal presentations, arts & crafts and letters to Santa (limited spaces available), hot cocoa and cookies (fee), Snowman's River Boat Rides ($5 per person)

When?: Select nights from November 26 - December 30, 2021 - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: TBA, last year $19.95 per adult and $17.95 per child age 3 - 12 plus tax (Members save $3),

More Info Here: www.zoomiami.org

Christmas at the Deeering Estate

The magic of "Vintage Florida" Historic Holiday Decor: Visitors can tour the historic houses at the Deering Estate as they come alive with holiday accents and decorations. As part of this year's Historic Holiday Decor, the magic of "Vintage Florida" comes to life with cherished holiday traditions that bring a feeling of warm nostalgia and a welcome respite from the modern world.

The Deering Estate has assembled a team of top designers that will once again transform the homes for the holiday season, led by its award-winning Designer-in-Residence, Alfredo Brito.

When? November 27, 2020 to January 8, 2021
How Much? Estate admission: Adults $15, Children (4 - 14) $7

Holiday Evening Strolls: Stroll the main grounds and the Historic Homes as they light up in the night. Enjoy the warmth of a campfire and showings of holiday films! Children can also bring their letters to Santa to drop off. Wrap up the night as Mrs. Claus arrives to read bedtime stories to the children from afar.

When? December 4 and 16, 2020 - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
How Much? Adults $15, Children (4 - 14) $7

Where? The Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157

More info: www.deeringestate.org

Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens

Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland dotted by thousands of twinkling lights that go up, through and around the whimsical botanical landscape. This year they are adding a whole new section of sparkling holiday lights and a bigger than last year's holiday-themed maze in the gardens.
Eat yummy treats, have a signature Pinecrest Gardens cocktail and enjoy magical Story Time with Mrs. Claus. Stay tuned for Santa Claus special appearances.
On select evenings, admission includes a holiday concert performance in the historic Banyan Bowl.

When? December 10, 2021 - January 2, 2022 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where? Pinecrest Gardens at 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, Florida 33156
How Much? $15 - $20

More info, tickets and Schedule of Events at the Banyan Bowl: www.pinecrestgardens.org

Holiday Tree Lighting and Movie Night at City of Doral

What? Dress in your festive pajamas as we light up our 35ft Holiday Tree and the Government Center with brilliant lights followed by a special screening of the Polar Express on the lawn.

When? December 1, 2021 - 6:00 pm

Where? Downtown Doral Park at 8395 NW 53rd St

How Much? FREE

More info: www.cityofdoral.com

Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade

Sailboats, Yachts, Barges, Gondolas, Kayaks... ANYTHING that floats, all decked up with thousands of lights and a merry spirit, traversing the waters of the intracoastal, what could be more fun this holiday season?!

On its 50th year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, this year the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.

Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included a floating bus, the Galleria Mall reindeer barge, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!

When?: Saturday December 11, 2021 - sails at 6:30 p.m. ends approximately 10:30 p.m.
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach. Parade starts at the New River where parading boats will be lining up west from Stranahan House to the Performing Arts Center, then move along towards the Intracoastal where they start heading up. Parade ends just south of Atlantic Blvd, at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
How Much?: Free along parade route! See map below.
Where to watch?: Outdoor Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park: adults $25, children under 10 $15. There is parking within walking distance from the event area. Guests will enjoy a festival atmosphere with live entertainment before and after the Parade. Gates open at 4:00 pm. Parade arrives at the viewing area at approximately 7:00 pm

Great spots to catch the parade is at one of the many bridges over the intracoastal at:

• Las Olas Boulevard
• Sunrise Boulevard
• Oakland Park Boulevard
• Commercial Boulevard

More info: Winterfest Boat Parade

Winterland at the Farm

With this 60-degree weather, what better way to warm up and get ready into the holiday spirit with family and friends than with some Snow, Holiday Treats, Hot chocolate and much more while you can meet Santa Claus, Nix the Snowman and Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie at a beautiful illuminated Forest.

Holiday treats, hay rides, paddleboat rides, Santa, pony rides, and many more activities for kids!

When?: Saturdays and Sundays in December, exact dates TBA - Limited capacity, by reservations only
Where?: Pinto Farm at 14890 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170
How Much?: $27.99, children under one free, includes paddle boat rides, tractor rides, pony rides, race track, walk through around the farm, magic shows, opportunity to meet Santa. Check for Groupon offers.

More info: www.pintofarm.com

Meet & Greet with Santa at Sandrells River Theater

Santa is coming back to the Sandrell Rivers Theater, and he's bringing the North Pole with him!

Meet Santa for FREE but be sure to get your tickets for Pictures and Holiday Treats! Don't miss out on TWO full weekends of Meet and Greets with the Jolly Man himself!

When? Dec. 10-12 and 17-19, 2021

Where? Sandrell Rivers Theater at 6103 NW 7th Ave. Miami, FL 33127

How Much? FREE ENTRY. Photo: $7, Photo, Cookie & Hot Chocolate: $10

More info and tickets: www.ftfshows.com

A Victorian Christmas at Historic Stranahan House

The holidays are a beautiful and special time at the Historic Stranahan House Museum.

Enjoy costumed docents as they take you back in time to the Victorian era in the beautifully decorated Historic Stranahan House Museum. Learn how many holiday traditions started and how the pioneers celebrated Christmas in the early days of Fort Lauderdale.

When? December 18 - 23, 2021
Where? Historic Stranahan House Museum at 335 SE 6th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale
How Much? $30 per person, advance registration required, limited tickets available for each day.
Paid public parking available offsite in the Riverside Hotel Parking Garage or alongside Las Olas Boulevard.

More info and tickets: www.stranahanhouse.org

Garden of Lights at Flamingo Gardens

Garden of Lights is Flamingo Gardens' annual holiday event and a delight with self guided strolls through paths adorned with thousands of festive lights and decorations.
There are live performances on select nights.
Please note the narrated tram tour, animal exhibits, and Wray Home Museum close at 5pm.

When? Dec. 17-23 and 26-30, 2021, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, until 10:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays
Where?: Flamingo Gardens at 3750 S. Flamingo Rd, Davie, FL 33330
How Much?: General Admission $21.95 per person, children (3-11) $15.95, Admission after 5:00 pm TBA

More info: Garden of Lights at Flamingo Gardens

This Year's Holiday Entertainment Calendar, Concerts and Musicals

Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker

The holiday tradition you love will become even more magical...

A vibrant and animated winter wonderland comes to life, featuring appearances by The Sugarplum Fairy, toy soldiers, and mischievous mice, all while retaining George Balanchine's iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

The Nutcracker performances will be at two venues this year:

When? December 10 - 12, 2021 , December 16 - 26 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
Where? Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

When? December 16 - 26
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center

How Much? ›› Find The Nutcracker Tickets

Elf The Musical

When? December 10 - 11, 2021
Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? ›› Find Tickets Elf The Musical

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2021 Winter Tour: Christmas Eve and Other Stories

When? December 17, 2021 - 8:00 pm
Where? FLA Live Arena (formerly BB&T Center) Sunrise
How Much? ›› Find Tickets Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve and Other Stories

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical)

The beloved classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical.

When? December 22, 2021
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? ›› Find Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Musical) Tickets

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an action-packed holiday celebration with amazing costumes, artistry and acts from every corner of the globe!

Cirque Dreams fuses Broadway-style musicals, cirque artistry + family entertainment into one unforgettable show.

When? December 26 - 27, 2021
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much? ›› Find Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna's golden era, led by a witty and charming conductor who is an expert in Viennese music, Salute to Vienna features a European cast of singers, ballroom dancers, and ballet that brings to life the music of Johann Strauss. Backed by the Strauss Symphony, the performance is rich with selections from beloved operettas, elegant dances, lively overtures, and the beautiful Blue Danube Waltz. Celebrate the start of the New Year with Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert!

When? January 2, 2022 - 7:30 pm
Where? Adrienne Arsht Center Miami
How Much? ›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Services

Bright poinsettias, twinkling lights, wonderful nativity scenes, children caroling and the fragrance of firs and incense filling the church, the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass has been a beautiful tradition for as long as I can remember. All our places of worship and the communities go out of their way to welcome and share in the spirit and purpose of the Christmas celebrations.

Here are some places you can attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Miami. All services are being LiveStreamed as well.

• Saint Patrick Catholic Church - 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach 33140
  Phone (305) 531-1124
  Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Multi-Lingual
  Christmas Day:
  English: 8:00 am, 9:30am, 11:00am
  Spanish: 12:30pm, 7:00pm
  More Info and LiveStream.

• Church of the Little Flower 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables 33134
  Phone (305) 446-9950
  Christmas Eve Cantata: 11:30 pm
  Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Bi-Lingual
  Christmas Day:
  English: 9:00am, 10:30am, 5:30pm
  Spanish: 12:30pm
  More Info and LiveStream

The Annual Living Nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church

Let's herald the Christmas season with a live, open-air reenactment of the Christmas Story.

Featuring live camels, donkeys, goats and sheep, along with an innovative mix of digital and live-action characters, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the prophets, angels, the Wise Men and more!

This spectacular depiction, complete with narration, digital projections and a choir, is fun for the entire family!

When? TBA
Where? Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, FL 33138
How Much? FREE and open to the public.

More Info: Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, follow their FB Page or call (305) 754-9541

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Memories!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner in Miami (2021 coming soon)

• Thrillist: These Miami Restaurants Are Open For Takeout This Holiday Season
• Miami.com: These Miami restaurants have special menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• TimeOut: Where to dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Miami
• Order take out Christmas dinner from these Miami spots
• The Eight Best Christmas Desserts in Miami 2020

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